Vitality Netball Superleague - Round 12 Preview and Betting Tips

Just as the Superleague’s elite looked to have all but cemented their places in this season’s semi-finals, the door was once again blown wide open as two of the top four sides slipped up in Round 11. Sensing blood, the teams below will now hope to mount a late challenge, with Team Bath looking the most likely to crash the party. Meanwhile, this Saturday will see the division’s top two teams go head-to-head, as league leaders Loughborough Lightning aim to nullify the sting of neighbours Wasps. Find out which clubs Sports.net is tipping to triumph in Round 12.

The Fixtures

Friday

Team Bath v Severn Stars - Following a run of four straight defeats, Team Bath resurrected their hopes of making the SuperLeague semi-finals with victory over bottom side Celtic Dragons on Saturday, despite leaving it late to secure the win. This Friday will see the team hoping to make a late dart for the top four face a Severn Stars outfit who are fresh from a high-scoring win over defending champions Surrey Storm. Bath made light work of the Worcestershire club earlier in the season and could benefit once again as they welcome a Stars team who might still have their heads in the clouds.

Top Tip: Team Bath to win - 1/4

Saturday

Sirens v Team Northumbria - Ever since Sirens stopped Surrey Storm in their tracks in Round 8, Scotland’s sole Superleague representatives have lost their way. A surprise loss to Celtic Dragons was followed by heavy defeats to Manchester Thunder and Wasps to all but end their push for a place in this year’s final four. Next up, Sirens face a must-win game against Team Northumbria, a side who picked up just their second win of the campaign in Round 11 as they stunned an out-of-form Hertfordshire Mavericks. The home side dismantled their opponents 64-46 when the two teams met in the reverse fixture in March, however, a much tighter affair could be on the cards as the league’s two most northerly clubs square up this Saturday. Expect the Glasgow girls to edge the contest.

Top Tip: Sirens to win - 2/9

Celtic Dragons v Manchester Thunder - A disappointing third quarter saw Manchester Thunder suffer their first defeat since February, as last year’s beaten Grand Finalists fell victim to runaway league leaders Loughborough Lightning. That loss may not have been too damaging in the race for a top four place, but it could have dealt a serious psychological blow to Thunders’ confidence, should the two sides meet in the latter stages of the competition. However, Karen Greig’s girls will have no time to dwell on their mistakes as they aim to take all three points against a hapless Celtic Dragons side who remain rooted to the bottom of the league.

Top Tip: Manchester Thunder to win (with -10.5 handicap) - 5/6

Hertfordshire Mavericks v Surrey Storm - Surrey Storm fell to their fourth defeat in five matches as they flopped in front of the Sky Sports cameras. The reigning champions were outplayed by Severn Stars in what proved to be a pulsating contest. The girls from Guildford will now be hoping this weekend’s clash with Hertfordshire Mavericks provides a little more joyous, as two of Superleague’s most out-of-form teams go head-to-head. The reverse fixture ending in a resounding 67-45 victory for Storm and a similar result could be on the cards this weekend as Tania Hoffman looks to get her team firing once more.

Top Tip: Surrey Storm to win - 1/3

Loughborough Lightning v Wasps Netball - Round 12 will certainly end with a bang as the Superleague’s top two sides meet in what is shaping up to be a mouth-watering encounter. Lightning have swept all before them this season and were responsible for inflicting Wasps’ first ever Superleague defeat back in early March. This weekend the table toppers will go in search of a twelfth win of the season as they aim to open up a nine point lead over their rivals; however, Wasps, who are currently enjoying a purple patch of their own, will have other ideas as they look to ruin their neighbours’ flawless record. This could be another close contest, with Wasps’ unblemished away record providing the decisive factor.

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